Faculty Excellence Archives | �鶹ӳ��ý News

�鶹ӳ��ý Assistant Professor Named Among Nation’s Top Nurse Leaders

Julie Harper ’01 — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:38 +0000

More than 5,000 nurse leaders gathered in Chicago last month for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s annual conference, aimed at shaping the future of and recognizing those who are already driving it forward. Among them: Assistant Professor Joy Parchment ’15�ʳ��.

Assistant Professor Joy Parchment ’15�ʳ�� joins the 2026 class of fellows of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, becoming the only nurse leader from a Florida university selected.

Parchment is one of just two nurse leaders in Florida — and the only one from a Florida university — inducted into the 2026 class of fellows. The distinction honors individuals who’ve made sustained contributions to nursing leadership and are influencing the future of healthcare.

With more than two decades in the field, including her recent role as corporate director of nursing strategy implementation at Orlando Health, Parchment has guided two hospitals to Magnet Recognition, an honor for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in practice. She’s actively mentored nurses and built systems that help them progress. At one multi-hospital health system, her framework supported 62% of clinical nurse leaders in advancing professionally.

Turning Mentorship Into Momentum

Since 2022, Parchment has mentored graduate students at �鶹ӳ��ý as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, helping prepare future nurse leaders.

“In my career, I have learned that continual growth and lifelong learning are essential,” she says. “As our profession continues to evolve, it is crucial that experienced leaders help guide the path forward, navigate new norms and provide support during times of change.”

Filling the Gaps in Leadership Training

Her research — cited nearly 50 times in national and international journals and books — examines professional nursing practice and leadership science, including defining role-specific factors behind workplace bullying among nurse managers and its effects on those in these leadership positions.

One of her most notable contributions is an evidence-based manual for interim nurse managers that addresses a critical gap in leadership training. It equips managers with the skills and resources to lead in complex, demanding environments and has been downloaded nearly 200 times to date. The manual was recognized by the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing as an innovative solution to the nurse manager workforce crisis and adopted by a 357-bed hospital to support its nurse manager transition-to-practice program.

Advancing Nursing at the National Level

Beyond the classroom and research lab, Parchment’s influence extends nationally. She serves as the academic commissioner for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Magnet Recognition and sits on The Nurses Legacy Institute board. She’s also an active member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Association of Leadership Science in Nursing, where she co-led three funded national research studies on nursing leadership and system science priorities within healthcare leadership.

“I will continue to advocate for the profession, advance nursing leadership [and] nurture future leaders …”

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, an organization that has encouraged me to seize opportunities and use my voice to inspire transformation across levels of healthcare,” she says. “I will continue to advocate for the profession, advance nursing leadership, nurture future leaders and empower them to excel in today’s challenging healthcare landscape.”

Taking Apart the Mystery of Vocal Fatigue

Robert Stephens — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:30:10 +0000

To better understand Assistant Professor Hamzeh Ghasemzadeh and his work, he goes back to a childhood memory of broken toys. Within hours of receiving little robotic figures or remote-control cars, he’d dissembled what had once been a carefully crafted package of technology. To him, sitting among the remnants of a new gift meant he was sitting in a circle of fun.

“My favorite game was to take the toys apart to see how they work and then try to put them back together,” Ghasemzadeh says. “My parents saw my curiosity as a great thing.”

“This is why I came to �鶹ӳ��ý. I’ve been able to jump right in and address mysteries that haven’t received much attention.”

That same curiosity now drives his research at , where he seeks to take apart discomforted voices, figuratively, so he can develop strategies to make each one whole again. Ghasemzadeh, who joined �鶹ӳ��ý in late Summer 2025 and will teach in the school’s newly launched , has already secured one research project funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and is developing another.

“This is why I came to �鶹ӳ��ý,” he says. “I’ve been able to jump right in and address mysteries that haven’t received much attention until now.”

A Common Problem Without Clear Answers

The first such mystery sounds quite straightforward: vocal fatigue, a common vocal complaint. Beneath the surface, however, it’s deceptive. Solutions have mostly evaded scientists, leaving vocal fatigue as an ongoing problem for many people who rely on their voices, like coaches, public speakers, singers and teachers. Many of Ghasemzadeh’s colleagues experience the very throat discomfort that he’s deconstructing during the funded project just underway.

“We want to collect … multi-modal data and use machine learning models to analyze [vocal fatigue] and develop recommendations for each person.”

“Some instructors get vocal fatigue quickly, some get it slowly and some don’t get it at all,” he says. “There’s a genetic component, but there are also behavioral components. How do they use their voice? How often do they use it? What about the environment where they’re using it? What about personality? We want to collect such comprehensive multi-modal data and use machine learning models to analyze it and develop recommendations for each person.”

The recommendations might include pacing voice usage, projecting the voice efficiently and allowing the voice to recover. Ghasemzadeh envisions this model being predictive and — this is the part he stresses most — personalized.

“The approach to general medicine started with an assumption that while we’re different on the outside, we are very similar inside. Patients with similar ailments took the same medications and [the] same dosages. But we now know that people don’t always respond to pills the same way. If we can quantify how we’re different inside, we can create a computational model to predict responses to medications and optimize treatment plans.”

To integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into vocal fatigue solutions, subjects in Ghasemzadeh’s study will wear sensors that track how and where they use their voices. He’ll prompt them to perform specific vocal tasks and monitor their phonatory function throughout the day. The AI model will analyze these patterns in real time to identify early signs of vocal strain and predict when fatigue is likely to occur.

“We are different. Every prescribed solution should be different, too.”

Participants will also visit his lab at the in Central Florida Research Park, where specialists will collect imaging, aerodynamic and acoustic data. The highly equipped facility brings together America’s leading hearing and voice scientists to develop new technologies and clinical tools for people with hearing loss or voice disorders.

With all of that in hand, including the technology, Ghasemzadeh and his team hope to unwind the mystery of vocal fatigue — one person at a time.

“That’s the idea I want to put forward with every project,” he says. “We are different. Every prescribed solution should be different, too.”

From Engineering to Human Connection

Many would think a toy-reassembling boy is destined to become an engineer. That’s what Ghasemzadeh thought, too. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and began his career with a focus on telecommunications and signal processing.

“There was something important missing,” he says. “Human connection.”

“Speech became my research interest because … it sets us apart as a species and as individuals.”

He crossed paths with a close friend who mentioned his own research in a field Ghasemzadeh was vaguely familiar with: communication sciences and disorders. The conversation sparked Ghasemzadeh’s enthusiasm for applying his expertise in areas such as signal processing to personally help others.

“Speech became my research interest because it’s the signal we predominantly use to communicate,” he says. “It sets us apart as a species and as individuals.”

For example, it’s quite easy to identify Ghasemzadeh without even seeing him. He sounds young yet intelligent enough to have dual doctoral degrees. There’s an inflection of humility in his voice. The curiosity is always there, too. In fact, his peers have noticed, from his work, what his parents noticed among his broken toys: his curiosity leading to great things. Shortly after arriving at �鶹ӳ��ý, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association chose Ghasemzadeh for its Early Career Contributions in Research Award.

“It’s also a reminder that I’m early in my career,” he says, “and the sky is the limit.”

At the center of his work as a principal investigator is a belief that progress doesn’t happen alone, but through teamwork.

“You have to surround yourself with different skillsets, all of us willing to take things apart that have never been taken apart, with everyone focused on one goal,” Ghasemzadeh says. “When you win, I win and everyone wins.”

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under award number R00DC021235. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

�鶹ӳ��ý Professor Named Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Lynne Garrow | Photos by Antoine Hart — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:13 +0000

e, a research professor at �鶹ӳ��ý’s , has been selected as a fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), one of the highest honors in the field of industrial-organizational psychology.

Burke was recognized for her exceptional contributions to advancing the science and practice of industrial-organizational psychology, as well as her sustained impact on the professional community. The distinction of SIOP Fellow is awarded to individuals who have made significant, enduring contributions to research, leadership and application within the field.

“I’m honored to be named a SIOP Fellow,” says Burke, director of IST’s Team Research and Adaptability in Complex Environments (TRACE) Lab. “This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the students, researchers and partners I’ve had the privilege to work with, and the importance of advancing training and decision-making in complex environments.”

“This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the students, researchers and partners I’ve had the privilege to work with, and the importance of advancing training and decision-making in complex environments.” — Shawn Burke, research professor

At �鶹ӳ��ý IST, Burke leads the TRACE Lab, where her work focuses on team performance, adaptive training and human-centered approaches to complex systems. Her research has supported advancements in high-stakes environments across defense, healthcare and industry, reinforcing �鶹ӳ��ý’s leadership in modeling, simulation and training.

“This honor recognizes not only Dr. Burke’s scientific contributions, but also her leadership and mentorship within the research community,” says Carolina Cruz-Neira, executive director of �鶹ӳ��ý IST. “She has played a vital role in developing the next generation of scholars and practitioners in industrial-organizational psychology.”

New fellows will be formally recognized during the SIOP Annual Conference, with a ceremony held on April 29 in New Orleans. The honor represents a significant milestone in Burke’s career and highlights the continued impact of �鶹ӳ��ý IST in shaping the future of workforce research, training and performance.

About �鶹ӳ��ý’s Institute for Simulation and Training

�鶹ӳ��ý’s Institute for Simulation and Training is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary institute conducting basic and applied human-centric research that affects nearly all sectors of industry and government, from healthcare to national defense and education to manufacturing. �鶹ӳ��ý and IST have built the industry, together with more than 200 Central Florida modeling, simulation and training companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. IST is an early adopter whose vision and leadership have spurred new applications and opportunities. (ist.ucf.edu)

Sharon Tucker Named Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing

Julie Harper — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:48:43 +0000

�鶹ӳ��ý Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of �鶹ӳ��ý’s College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker’s nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how �鶹ӳ��ý is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

“With its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.” — Sharon Tucker

“I am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health’s support of the college,” says Tucker. “Partnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.”

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of �鶹ӳ��ý and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health’s senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

“Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson says. “It is an honor to continue to partner with �鶹ӳ��ý to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.”

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of �鶹ӳ��ý’s inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for �鶹ӳ��ý nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping �鶹ӳ��ý attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining �鶹ӳ��ý’s Go for Launch campaign.

�鶹ӳ��ý Recognizes Faculty Excellence With 2026 Promotion and Tenure Awards

Scott Mauro — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:17:42 +0000

�鶹ӳ��ý has recognized 100 faculty members with promotion and tenure for the 2025–26 academic year, marking a significant milestone in their academic careers and contributions to student success and the university.

Over the course of nearly a full academic year, peers, departmental and college leadership, and the university promotion and tenure committee engaged in a rigorous, multi-stage review to ensure candidates met �鶹ӳ��ý’s high standards in teaching, research, and service. Ultimately, they recommended 100 faculty members for promotion, including 23 for tenure.

Following the review process, the president and provost make final decisions on promotions, while the �鶹ӳ��ý Board of Trustees provides final approval for tenure candidates. These decisions directly advance �鶹ӳ��ý’s strategic plan and its focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty – especially those who elevate student success, accelerate discovery and research, and strengthen the talent pipeline that drives innovation and economics for the state of Florida.

“At �鶹ӳ��ý, promotion and tenure reflects a thoughtful, rigorous review process and the high standards we set as an institution and state,” says John Buckwalter, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “It’s a significant moment for these faculty, not just for the years of hard work it recognizes, but for what promotion and tenure represents: a sustained commitment to excellence, a deep dedication to student success, research that boldly improves lives, and the future we’re building together.”

Promotions and tenure conferrals annually take effect on Aug. 8.

The faculty members recognized below represent the continued strength and momentum of �鶹ӳ��ý.

Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

John Gardiner, College of Arts and Humanities
Tadashi Ishikawa, College of Arts and Humanities
Sara Raffel, College of Arts and Humanities
Jeffery Redding, College of Arts and Humanities
John Bush, College of Business
Seongho An, College of Community Innovation and Education
Cynthia Williams, College of Community Innovation and Education
Jiannan Chen, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Chinwendu Enyioha, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Ozlem Garibay, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Yao Li, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Miguel Bandres, College of Optics and Photonics
Robert Fitak, College of Sciences
Shyam Kattel, College of Sciences
Kelsey Larsen, College of Sciences
Kangsang Lee, College of Sciences
Xialing Lin, College of Sciences
Emily Zavodny, College of Sciences
Kayode Aleshinloye, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Carissa Baker, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
YunYing Zhong, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure

Taj Azarian, College of Medicine
Thomas Kean, College of Medicine

Promotion to Professor (Tenured)

Thaddeus Anderson, College of Arts and Humanities
Ann Gleig, College of Arts and Humanities
Lanlan Kuang, College of Arts and Humanities
Sandra Sousa, College of Arts and Humanities
Mel Stanfill, College of Arts and Humanities
Melanie Guldi, College of Business
Xin He, College of Business
Laurie Campbell, College of Community Innovation and Education
Eric Merriam, College of Community Innovation and Education
Woo Hyoung Lee, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Thomas Wahl, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Yang Yang, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Jacqueline Towson, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Romain Gaume, College of Optics and Photonics
Jacopo Baggio, College of Sciences
Matthieu Baudelet, College of Sciences
Karin Chumbimuni Torres, College of Sciences
Geoffrey Cook, College of Sciences
Amy Donley, College of Sciences
Hsin‑Hsiung Huang, College of Sciences
Brigitte Kovacevich, College of Sciences
Arkadiy Lyakh, College of Sciences
Peter Smith, College of Sciences
Xiaohu Xia, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine

Maria Farooq, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

Naziha Slimani, College of Medicine
Sharon Wasserstrom, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Professor of Medicine

Mariana Dangiolo, College of Medicine

Promotion to Research Associate Professor

Crystal Maraj, Office of Research

Promotion to Associate Lecturer

Jonathan Barker, College of Arts and Humanities
Sara Willox, College of Business
Elizabeth Yost, College of Business
Michael Gilbrook, College of Community Innovation and Education
Alison Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Michael Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Michael Chetta, College of Sciences
Heather Edwards, College of Sciences
Seongchun Kwon, College of Sciences
Adam Parrish, College of Sciences
Jamie Vega, College of Sciences
Tong Wan, College of Sciences
Rong Zhou, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

Christy Flanagan‑Feddon, College of Arts and Humanities
David Head, College of Arts and Humanities
Deborah Leitch, College of Arts and Humanities
Amanda Snyder, College of Arts and Humanities
Jeanine Viau, College of Arts and Humanities
Constance Goodman, College of Community Innovation and Education
Daniel Stephens, College of Community Innovation and Education
Shane Trenta, College of Community Innovation and Education
Marino Nader, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Sudeshna Pal, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Rachid Ait Maalem Lahcen, College of Sciences
Cynthia Bayer, College of Sciences
Martha Hubertz, College of Sciences
Tamra Legron‑Rodriguez, College of Sciences
Hyung Park, College of Sciences
Widaad Zaman, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Instructor

Meeghan Faulconer, College of Arts and Humanities
Yukari Nakamura, College of Arts and Humanities
Carolina Salazar, College of Arts and Humanities
Punam Desormes, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Jorri Bright, College of Sciences
Richard Hall, College of Sciences
Nicholas Zuccarello, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Instructor

Rita De Luca Guerriero, College of Arts and Humanities
Steven Ton, College of Community Innovation and Education
Todd Fix, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Julie Matura, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Lance Speere, College of Sciences
Abigail Ferreira, �鶹ӳ��ý Global

Promotion to Associate Instructional Designer

Rebecca McNulty, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Senior Instructional Designer

Amy Sugar, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Associate Librarian

Renee Montgomery, �鶹ӳ��ý Libraries

Promotion to University Librarian

Sai Deng, �鶹ӳ��ý Libraries
Sarah Norris, �鶹ӳ��ý Libraries
Andrew Todd, �鶹ӳ��ý Libraries

�鶹ӳ��ý’s Kathleen Richardson Receives 2026 Otto Schott Research Award

Andrew Miller | Photos by Antoine Hart — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:54:49 +0000

Trustee Chair of Optics and Photonics and Materials Science and Engineering has been awarded the 2026 Otto Schott Research Award — one of the most prestigious honors in glass and materials science.

Presented by the SCHOTT Group and the Ernst Abbe Fund, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to research and technology in glass, glass-ceramics and advanced materials. Richardson shares this year’s honor with Iowa State University researcher Steve Martin.

Together, their work reflects how advances in material structure can translate into real-world applications across industries including healthcare, energy, electronics and advanced technologies.

Inside �鶹ӳ��ý’s Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory, a researcher works with advanced glass materials used in optical and infrared applications—an area central to Kathleen Richardson’s award-winning research. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

A Career of Innovation

Over the course of her career, Richardson has focused on advancing the science of optical materials, helping to expand how glass can be used in increasingly complex and demanding environments.

Her work has contributed to the development of materials that can be precisely engineered for performance, supporting innovations in imaging, sensing and optical systems.

“This award recognizes a lifetime of investment in know-how, specialized facilities creation and professional development of skilled personnel, which has resulted in unique prototype materials and technology development,” Richardson says. “These efforts have resulted in products that have gone on to be licensed to partners in this critical application space. I am truly honored to be recognized by one of the global leaders in advanced optical materials for our team’s sustained work in IR materials.”

Advancing Optical Materials

Richardson is recognized for her contributions to the development of optical glasses and infrared materials — specialized materials that control how light is transmitted and detected.

Her research focuses on designing glass compositions at the atomic level to achieve precise optical properties, enabling high-performance systems for infrared imaging, sensing technologies and advanced optics.

“Dr. Richardson’s sustained career has driven significant advancement in infrared material technologies, laying the foundation for next-generation sensing capabilities,” says Winston Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation at �鶹ӳ��ý. “Her relentless pursuit of discovery in optical and infrared materials illuminates �鶹ӳ��ý’s expanding impact on the frontiers of advanced technologies that continue to shape the future.”

From Fundamental Science to Application

The Otto Schott Research Award highlights the critical connection between fundamental research and industrial application, a hallmark of Richardson’s work. By advancing how glass materials are engineered and processed, her research helps expand the performance limits of existing materials while opening the door to entirely new classes of optical systems.

These innovations include glasses with improved infrared transmission and tailored properties that support emerging technologies in fields including aerospace, electronics, energy production and medical technologies. Her work has benefited from diverse support ranging from government to industry (local and international) as well as state funding from Florida’s High Technology Corridor (FHTC) which has provided extensive matching funds that have leveraged state funds to support education and training of several dozen graduate and undergraduate students from the Richardson group, over her career.

Why Infrared Materials Matter

Infrared materials play a critical role in technologies that rely on detecting and transmitting light beyond the visible spectrum. These systems are used in applications ranging from medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring to advanced imaging and sensing technologies.

Unlike conventional optical materials, infrared (IR) glasses must be carefully engineered to maintain transparency and performance under demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation. Their chemistry is difficult requiring specialized facilities unique to �鶹ӳ��ý, present in the University’s Optical Material Laboratory, which houses the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL). As a result, workforce training in such novel optical material science benefits not only local industry, a stronghold in IR optical materials manufacturing and systems, but government agencies as well.

Components of specialized glass materials are stored in sealed vials at �鶹ӳ��ý’s Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL), where researchers develop advanced compositions for optical and infrared applications. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Richardson’s work focuses on developing glass compositions that meet these challenges while offering greater flexibility than traditional crystalline materials, which are often more expensive and difficult to manufacture.

By enabling more adaptable and scalable materials, her research supports continued advances in imaging systems, sensing technologies and other applications that rely on precise optical performance.

A Global Recognition

The award, endowed with about $29,000, was presented April 13 during the annual meeting at the International Commission on Glass in Lyon, France.

“The research of Steve Martin and Kathleen Richardson clearly shows how essential a deep understanding of material structures is for technological progress,” says Matthias Müller, head of research and development at SCHOTT. “These insights form the basis for developing new glass solutions that perform reliably in real-world applications and expand the boundaries of what is possible.”

Awarded every two years, the Otto Schott Research Award recognizes scientists whose work bridges scientific discovery and practical innovation.

About the Awardee

Richardson is a �鶹ӳ��ý trustee chair and Pegasus Professor of optics and materials science and engineering in CREOL. She is also Director of �鶹ӳ��ý’s Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL).

She earned her bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering and her master’s and doctoral degrees in glass science from Alfred University. Richardson has spent more than two decades at �鶹ӳ��ý, following earlier work at Clemson University.

Central Floridian of the Year Finalist: �鶹ӳ��ý’s Deborah Beidel

Liz Lytle — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:02:16 +0000

�鶹ӳ��ý Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who serves as executive director of �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES, has been named a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel‘s 2026 Central Floridian of the Year award, an honor recognizing those whose leadership and community impact shape the region.

Deborah Beidel (center, black and white dress), Director of the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Joanne Rice (right of Beidel) with the �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES team at the Resiliency Command Center unveiling.

The award recognizes Beidel — representing the entire �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES team — for building a national model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Since its founding in 2011, �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES has treated more than 2,150 individuals, including nearly 600 military members and more than 1,350 first responders. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

“When we founded �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES, we set out to prove that PTSD treatment could be faster, more effective and accessible to everyone who needs it,” Beidel says. “Over the past 15 years, that mission has grown into something larger: a comprehensive system of treatment, training, and crisis response that meets people wherever they are in their journey toward healing. This recognition reflects the clinicians, researchers and staff who have made that vision a reality.”

The center’s intensive outpatient program produces outcomes that exceed national standards – 76% of participants no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD following treatment, and the program boasts a relapse rate of less than 1%.

Virtual reality is used in exposure therapy at �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES to help treat PTSD.

Several states are now establishing similar programs, sending clinicians and researchers to Orlando to study �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES’ approach.

What began as a research-focused treatment program has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem of care encompassing clinical treatment, peer support training, crisis response and family resources.

, �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES clinicians:

Delivered more than 2,100 hours of evidence-based care;
Trained more than 450 first responders through the center’s REACT peer support program;
Unveiled a first-of-its-kind mobile Resiliency Command Center to deliver psychological support at disaster scenes; and,
Integrated the �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project, extending capacity-building and behavioral health navigation services to agencies across Florida’s Panhandle.

�鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES has also responded to large-scale tragedies including the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and the 2021 Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside, FL, providing on-site mental health support to survivors, families, and emergency personnel. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

“Dr. Beidel’s work reflects the very best of �鶹ӳ��ý. She combines compassion, research and innovation to address one of the most complex challenges facing our local communities,” says �鶹ӳ��ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Through �鶹ӳ��ý RESTORES, she has redefined how PTSD is treated, turning breakthrough ideas into real solutions for those who need them most. Because of her work, first responders, trauma survivors, and so many others across Central Florida, and beyond, are finding a path forward.”

The Central Floridian of the Year finalist recognition follows Beidel’s selection as the Big 12 Conference’s 2025 Faculty of the Year for �鶹ӳ��ý. Now in its second year, the award showcases the academic excellence, research breakthroughs and educational opportunities available to students at Big 12 institutions.

�鶹ӳ��ý Graduate Programs Climb in U.S. News’ 2026 Rankings, Reflecting Strength in Serving National Needs

�鶹ӳ��ý — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:01:22 +0000

�鶹ӳ��ý continues our upward momentum in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Graduate Programs Rankings, earning 14 recognitions in the top 50. From emergency management and counseling to nursing and aerospace engineering, �鶹ӳ��ý’s rise highlights a university-wide focus on faculty excellence, hands-on learning, and preparing graduates to lead in high-impact careers across critical workforces.

Boardman Endowed Professor of Environmental Science and Public Administration Christopher Emrich (left) and founding Director of �鶹ӳ��ý’s Emergency and Crisis Management Program Claire Connolly Knox (right) in the university’s Emergency Operations Center.

The National Leader in Emergency and Crisis Management

�鶹ӳ��ý earned the No. 1 Homeland/National Security and Emergency Management Graduate Program ranking in the nation for the third consecutive year.

At the forefront of this year’s ranking is the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE)’s online emergency and crisis management program, signaling �鶹ӳ��ý’s long-standing leadership in programs that keep people safe from disasters of all kinds.

“To maintain the U.S. News No. 1 ranking of graduate programs in homeland security and emergency management is truly a team endeavor,” Associate Professor of Public Administration Yue ‘Gurt’ Ge says. “It reflects our nationally and internationally renowned faculty in education and research, our stellar students and alumni — who have become the backbone of the emergency management profession in Florida and beyond — and our signature staff members and advisory board representing government, nonprofit, and business sectors across Central Florida.”

That strong connection to practice is central to the program’s success. Faculty research influences policy nationwide, while students gain real-world insight through close partnerships with emergency managers at the local, state and federal levels. Graduates leave prepared to respond to complex crises, from natural disasters to public health emergencies, at a time when the need for highly trained professionals continues to grow.

Sejal Barden helps counselor education students gain real-world counseling experience through initiatives like Project Harmony and the �鶹ӳ��ý Community Counseling and Research Center.

A Top-10 School Preparing Student Counselors

�鶹ӳ��ý’s College of Community Innovation and Education also earned the No. 9 ranking for Student Counseling and Personnel Services Graduate Programs in the nation.

Recognition for CCIE’s student counseling graduate program reflects �鶹ӳ��ý’s high-touch faculty mentorship model and its emphasis on integrating research, service, and professional preparation.

For Benoit Aubin, a first-year doctoral student in counselor education, that support has been transformative. A former firefighter and medic, Aubin now works as a mental health clinician for his former fire station while serving as a graduate research assistant with �鶹ӳ��ý’s Marriage and Family Research Institute (MFRI).

With guidance from Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology Chair and MFRI Executive Director Sejal Barden, Aubin has conducted clinical research focused on trauma and relationship stress among first-responder couples. His work has already contributed to a funded grant, conference presentations, a published book and the development of a training program — achievements he credits to a highly supportive learning environment.

“�鶹ӳ��ý knows how to prepare us to compete professionally,” Aubin says.

Acute care nurse practitioner DNP students demonstrate skills in the health assessment lab during the opening tour of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona.

A 34-Spot Rise in Advanced Nursing Education

�鶹ӳ��ý’s College of Nursing jumped 34 spots to No. 37 for Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate Programs in the nation — the highest ranking in the college’s history.

�鶹ӳ��ý’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program (DNP) improved ranking reflects a continued investment in academic rigor, faculty expertise and hands-on clinical training designed to address the nation’s growing need for nurse practitioners.

Graduates from the DNP program consistently outperform national first-time pass rates on nurse practitioner certification exams. They also often receive job offers before they even complete their degrees, according to Christopher Blackwell ’00 ’01MSN ’05PhD, director of �鶹ӳ��ý’s adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program. All full-time faculty hold at least one doctoral degree, more than half remain actively practicing clinicians and many are nationally recognized fellows. Through partnerships with healthcare organizations across Central Florida students gain applied experience alongside expert preceptors in varied clinical settings.

“The incredible amount of support I’ve received from �鶹ӳ��ý’s nursing professors and the opportunities to make an impact through my research and clinical practice solidified that I made the best choice in my graduate degree,” says Mimi Alliance ’21, a family nurse practitioner doctoral student who provides care and conducts research on the �鶹ӳ��ý Mobile Health Clinic.

Some of that training is anchored in the college’s Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center, an internationally recognized simulation facility that strengthens clinical skills and decision-making before students enter patient-care environments. The STIM Center, as well as �鶹ӳ��ý’s nursing programs, are housed in the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, which opened in Lake Nona in Fall 2025 thanks to generous state and industry support — a proof point of �鶹ӳ��ý’s ability to solve real-world issues.

Postdoctoral scholar and alum Rachel Hyvotick ’24MS ’25PhD (left) working with Trustee Chair Professor Kareem Ahmed in the �鶹ӳ��ý HyperSpace Center.

Building on a Legacy of Aerospace Engineering Excellence

As Florida’s Technological University, �鶹ӳ��ý continues to build on our strength in technology-driven fields by ranking No. 38 for Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programs in the nation.

The �鶹ӳ��ý College of Engineering and Computer Sciences‘ aerospace engineering graduate program ranking reinforces the university’s legacy in a field deeply tied to Florida’s Space Coast and NASA’s recent Artemis II launch.

“It is gratifying to see the hard work and exciting research of our faculty and students recognized by our peers,” says Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Jeffrey Kauffman, noting that since launching the aerospace engineering doctoral program in 2019, �鶹ӳ��ý has steadily climbed in rankings while program enrollment has grown to more than 100 doctoral students.

Fueling that growth are advances in hypersonic flight, space exploration and defense research, with �鶹ӳ��ý’s HyperSpace Center serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty success in securing competitive federal research funding has strengthened infrastructure and expanded opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students.

The result is a vibrant research environment where students engage directly in cutting-edge projects and build industry connections well before entering the workforce.

Across disciplines, �鶹ӳ��ý’s growth in the U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings reflects a shared commitment to student success — driven by faculty who mentor closely, curricula that align with real-world needs and an institutional culture focused on impact. As �鶹ӳ��ý’s graduate programs continue to climb, they reinforce the university’s role as a national leader preparing professionals to tackle society’s most urgent challenges.

�鶹ӳ��ý Research to Help Inform Statewide Efforts to Stop Domestic Violence and Improve Care for Survivors

Eddy Duryea ’13 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:08:58 +0000

Florida is turning to �鶹ӳ��ý experts to find better ways to prevent domestic violence and give survivors a stronger voice in the services they need.

Through a $257,384 two-year grant from the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, faculty from �鶹ӳ��ý’s Violence Against Women research cluster are conducting a statewide domestic violence needs assessment. Their findings will help policymakers and local agencies develop better strategies to fund and support domestic violence prevention programs that empower survivors.

“The collective goal of our work is to give people working in these programs and people using these services a voice,” says Bethany Backes, associate professor of social work at , who leads the Violence Against Women cluster and is the project’s principal investigator. “Having research that practitioners can understand and interpret in a way that’s helpful is important to us. “What we’re creating now is hopefully something that can be used for years to come.”

The World’s Women

Violence against women is a global issue. According to UN Women, nearly one in three women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. In 2024, around 50,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members.

“We’re looking at criminal justice, sociology, health, and so much more that altogether could create solutions beyond any one discipline.” — Kim Anderson, Professor of Social Work

�鶹ӳ��ý’s faculty cluster — working across the disciplines of education, social work, criminal justice, sociology and medicine — was created a decade ago to change these outcomes. “We know how complex this social problem is,” says Kim Anderson, a professor of social work and cluster member. “We’re looking at criminal justice, sociology, health, and so much more that altogether could create solutions beyond any one discipline.”

Informing Florida’s Strategy

The researchers have already identified some key needs for the state to examine.

“For example, we’re seeing people facing abuse who are having to spend more on food or other necessities as they navigate shifts in funding for certain assistance programs,” Backes says. “What we’re also seeing is the effect of population booms, and how rapid growth and rapid decline in some areas affects the need for services.”

Several of the members of �鶹ӳ��ý’s interdisciplinary Violence Against Women Faculty Cluster: Karina Villalba (top left), Bethany Backes, Alison Cares (bottom left) and Kim Anderson (bottom right)

The researchers are analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Florida’s Departments of Law Enforcement and Children and Families and are surveying organizations that provide domestic violence services. They are interviewing survivors who sought services and those who didn’t to understand access to care and risk factors.

Creating opportunities where more people feel comfortable sharing their domestic violence experiences is cluster member Karina Villalba’s expertise.

“My focus is on intimate partner violence, specifically within the Hispanic community,” says Villalba, an assistant professor in the ’s Population Health Sciences Division. “There are certain beliefs, like the concept of ‘machismo’, that may give an avenue for some men to pursue this kind of violence. Because it can be part of the cultural acceptance, it might not even be seen as violence by the survivors.”

She hopes efforts to prevent domestic violence in the U.S. will have impact globally.

“You’re seeing a ripple effect in countries in Latin America where people are becoming more aware,” Villalba says. “It helps us keep pushing forward with our work so we cannot just be a beacon here in Florida and the United States, but to show the world what we can do.”

Keys to Preventing Violence

Preventing domestic violence means identifying early warning signs and behaviors and providing services to lower the risk of continuing violence, Backes says.

Domestic violence is “not always physical and it’s not just seeing someone with a black eye,” she says. “Physical violence can happen after there’s been psychological abuse such as coercion, controlling, isolation or stalking.”

Cluster member Alison Cares, associate professor of sociology at , says preventing domestic abuse involves changing misconceptions.

“There’s this expectation of how abusers or survivors look. It’s easy to think the people doing this abuse look like monsters,” she says. “But the reality is these are people we know. They can be friends or family members or people we work with.”

The researchers say they are encouraged by the resilience of the survivors and service providers they have met.

“We see incredible bravery of people who talk to a support person,” Anderson says. “We’re hoping that information we get from this assessment can elevate the voices of staff and survivors.”

�鶹ӳ��ý Nursing Expert Honored for Contributions to Critical Care

Julie Harper ’01 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:49 +0000

During the 2026 Society of Critical Care Medicine Congress, thousands of healthcare professionals gathered to advance patient care and recognize the experts leading the way — including �鶹ӳ��ý Nursing Associate Professor Brian Peach.

�鶹ӳ��ý Nursing Associate Professor Brian Peach onstage during the induction ceremony for the American College of Critical Care Medicine.

Peach was the only nursing expert in Florida inducted into this year’s class of fellows of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, a prestigious distinction recognizing healthcare leaders who’ve made outstanding contributions to critical care through clinical excellence, program development and scholarly activities.

Improving Patient Outcomes

Peach has dedicated nearly two decades to improving critical care — from the patient bedside as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse and leader to advancing the field as an educator and researcher.

“… the best patient care and research outcomes are achieved through interdisciplinary teamwork.”

His clinical career spanned three teaching facilities — the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida Health Shands Hospital and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center — where he advanced into leadership roles and collaborated across disciplines to improve patient outcomes and drive quality initiatives, including improving time-sensitive sepsis care to save lives.

“I firmly believe that the best patient care and research outcomes are achieved through interdisciplinary teamwork, where each professional’s expertise enhances the collective effort,” Peach says. “My experiences have reinforced my commitment to fostering collaborations that drive meaningful improvements in healthcare.”

Advancing Education and Science

While his clinical work laid the foundation, Peach recognized a broader purpose: preparing future nurses and advancing the science behind critical care.

At �鶹ӳ��ý’s College of Nursing, he’s led a critical care course that emphasizes essential concepts through case-based learning that prepare future nurses for real-world practice. He also serves as the college’s Honors Undergraduate Thesis liaison, advising nearly 25 undergraduate and graduate students in independent research in the field.

Nationally, Peach extends his impact through leadership and service. He’s served as a reviewer for multiple critical care publications and collaborates with experts on projects like the next tier of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Centers of Excellence program, which will recognize hospitals for excellence in ICU care.

His award-winning research, shared globally through publications and presentations, focuses on improving outcomes for septic patients and, more recently, advancing care for ICU delirium and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

Advocating for Intensive Care Survivors

PICS — a syndrome involving new or worsened physical, cognitive and mental health impairments following an ICU admission — affects a significant portion of survivors. Of the more than 5.7 million Americans admitted to ICUs each year, about 70% survive, and it’s estimated that more than half experience lasting impairments.

Peach has become an advocate for critical illness survivors, dedicated to raising awareness and improving care. He currently leads a virtual reality exposure therapy trial for the treatment of PICS in critical illness survivors and frequently speaks on the topic at conferences, healthcare facilities and to the media.

“Helping shed light on the hidden burden carried by ICU survivors — and the gap between survival and true recovery — motivates my work,” he says.

As a member of the PICS Advocacy Network, he was inspired to co-found Orlando’s Walk-4-PICS campaign in 2024. It’s now one of the largest events in a global effort to raise awareness and connect survivors and their families with resources and research opportunities.

“… by allowing researchers to track data nationwide, [the diagnostic code] could help make the case that PICS research warrants greater investment.”

Earlier this month, Peach presented a proposal to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocating for a PICS ICD-10 diagnostic code. If approved, the code would allow providers to formally diagnose PICS and enable researchers to track its prevalence. A decision is expected by Summer 2026.

“This code has the potential to dramatically influence health policy and research funding,” Peach says. “Millions of people across the U.S. suffering from PICS conditions will officially be able to receive a diagnosis. Furthermore, by allowing researchers to track data nationwide, it could help make the case that PICS research warrants greater investment.”

For Peach, it’s the people behind the statistics that inspire his work. It’s the personal stories of the ICU survivors he meets, the achievements of the students he mentors and the thought leaders he collaborates with to create change.

“I look forward to [continuing] to advance critical care through collaboration and mentorship,” he says, “and to improving care for patients, survivors and their families.”

If you’re a critical illness survivor living with new or worsened physical, cognitive or mental health conditions, you may qualify for one of Peach’s studies.

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�鶹ӳ����ý Assistant Professor Named Among Nation’s Top Nurse Leaders